Paper 1B 10 TH [22 marks]

1. SPM.1B.SL.TZ0.1

A group of students investigate the motion of a conducting ball suspended from a long
string. The ball is between two vertical metal plates that have an electric potential difference
V between them. The ball is touched to one plate so that it becomes electrically charged and is
repelled from the plate. For a given potential difference, the ball bounces between the plates
with a constant period.

(a) The students vary V and measure the time T for the ball to move once from one plate to the
other. The table shows some of the data.

[[N/A]]

(a.i) V is provided by two identical power supplies connected in series. The potential difference
of each of the power supplies is known with an uncertainty of 0.01 kV.

State the uncertainty in the potential difference V.

 [1]

Markscheme

0.02 «kV» ✓

(a.ii) T is measured with an electronic stopwatch that measures to the nearest 0.1 s.

Describe how an uncertainty in T of less than 0.1 s can be achieved using this stopwatch.

[2]

Markscheme

by measuring the time for many bounces ✓ and dividing the result by the number
of bounces ✓

The graph shows the variation of T with V. The uncertainty in V is not plotted.

(a.iii) Outline why it is unlikely that the relationship between T and V is linear.

[1]

Markscheme

it is not possible to draw a straight line through all the error bars ✓

(a.iv) Calculate the largest fractional uncertainty in T for these data.

[2]
 Markscheme

0.1
T = 0.5 s ✓ « =¿» 0.2 ✓
0.5

(b) The students suggest the following theoretical relationship between T and V:

A
T=
V
where A is a constant.

1
To verify the relationship, the variation of T with is plotted.
V

[[N/A]]

(b.i) Determine A by drawing the line of best fit.

[3]

Markscheme

a best-fit line drawn through the entire range of the data ✓ large triangle greater
than half a line or two data points on the line greater than half a line apart ✓
1.6−0
correct read offs consistent with the line, eg =4.0 ✓ Accept answer in the
0.40−0
range 3.8–4.2
 (b.ii) State the units of A.

[1]

Markscheme

kV s ✓

(b.iii) The theoretical relationship assumes that the ball is only affected by the electric force.

Suggest why, in order to test the relationship, the length of the string should be much greater
than the distance between the plates.

[2]

Markscheme

the angle between the string and the vertical should be very small «for
any position of the ball» ✓ so that the tension in the string is «almost» balanced
by the ball’s weight OR restoring force from the string / horizontal component of
tension negligibly small «compared with electric force» ✓ OWTTE

2. 19M.1B.SL.TZ2.a

When d = 0.200 mm, s = 0.9 mm and D = 280 mm, determine the percentage uncertainty in the
wavelength.

[2]

Markscheme

Δs ΔD
Evidence of AND used ✔
s D

«add fractional/% uncertainties»

obtains 11 % (or 0.11) OR 10 % (or 0.1) ✔

3. SPM.1B.SL.TZ0.2

A group of students investigate the bending of a plastic ruler that is clamped horizontally at one
end. A weight W attached to the other end causes the ruler to bend. The weight is contained in a
scale pan.

The students fix the length L of the ruler and vary W. For each value of W, the group measures
the deflection d of the end of the ruler to which the weight is attached.
(a) The group obtains the following repeated readings for d for one value of W.

The group divides into two subgroups, A and B, to analyse the data.

Group A quotes the mean value of d as 2.93 cm.

Group B quotes the mean value of d as 2.8 cm.

Discuss the values that the groups have quoted.

[2]

Markscheme

3 sf is inappropriate for A ✓ rejects trial 3 as outlier for B ✓

(b) The variation of d with W is shown.

Outline one experimental reason why the graph does not go through the origin.

[1]

Markscheme

beam bends under its own weight / weight of pan OR specified systematic error in
d✓

(c) Theory predicts that

x y
W L
d∝
EI
where E and I are constants. The fundamental units of I are m4 and those of E are kg m−1 s−2.

Calculate x and y .

[2]

Markscheme

units of W : kg m s−2 ✓ work leading to x=1 and y=3 ✓

(d) The ruler has cross-sectional area A = a × b, where a = (28 ± 1) mm and b = (3.00 ± 0.05)
mm.

[[N/A]]

(d.ii) Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the value of A.

[2]
 Markscheme

attempt to calculate fractional uncertainty in either a or b [0.0357, 0.0167] ✓

0.0357 + 0.0167 = 0.05 = 5 % ✓

(d.i) Suggest an appropriate measuring instrument for determining b.

[1]

Markscheme

instrument (capable of reading to 0.05 mm) with reason related to resolution of

instrument ✓ eg micrometer screw gauge, Vernier caliper, travelling microscope

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